All Activities in Kyoto

Full Day Kyoto Chartered Taxi Tour (opens in a new tab)

1 7 h

This is a guided private custom Kyoto tour using by chartered taxi. Pick up at a hotel in Kyoto city. For the tour destination, choose four places where you are interested in Kyoto from the list below for your tour! Karesansui Rock Garden, Arashiyama Bamboo Groves, Togetsu Bridge, Kinkakuji Temple,Tenryuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sanjusangendo. Enjoy the ancient temples , shrines and wonderful bamboo groves with historical explanations by professional guides. You will receive an email after booking your tour from this web page. Please reply to the email with the 4 tourist sites you want to visit. For details of the tour, you can look at inclusions excursions section of this web page.

Koto lesson & private concert (opens in a new tab)

2 1 h

You can enjoy both playing Koto and listening to Koto performance!! Start time>>>10:30/ 14:00 How about a private koto lesson and live performance at Kyomachiya? At first, we will introduce about the instrument, simple explanation about the koto and how to play it. Let's have fun playing the Koto by yourself! You can play several songs and join the ensemble with professional musicians. After playing, enjoy a private koto concert!! At the end, you will receive a certificate of experience completion. Enjoy a relaxing time sitting in a chair in a renovated Kyoto townhouse, playing or listening to the koto. ~~Flow of the plan~~ ① Greetings and explanation about the koto 5 minutes ② Explanation of how to set up the koto nails and how to play it 10 minutes ③ Try the koto playing practice "Sakura Sakura"! →Ensemble 15 minutes ④Change the tuning, and practice several songs according to your preference & ensemble 15 minutes ⑤Performance by professional Koto player 10 minutes ⑥Give a certificate of completion, photo & question time 5 minutes

Private tourFree cancellation

Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer (opens in a new tab)

2 4 h

Kyoto is a big city with many cars and many traffic lights. It is difficult to cycle comfortably there without a guide. First, you will cycle through the old town near Kinkakuji Temple. After seeing the temple, you will continue along an old road that has been around for over 1000 years and is surrounded by lush nature. Beyond that, there are few people and the most important sacred place of Arashiyama, the Emperor's Tombs area. After cycling through the atmospheric preserved area, we will ride along the wildest forest road along the river with a history of 1200 years. Around the mysterious road where no cars pass, you can see the Jizo statues and castle walls that give you a sense of history. The sounds of the trolley trains and boats going down the river are also fun. And the best E-Bikes and professional guides will support you.

Free cancellation

Self Guided Tour with Kimono Experience in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h – 4 h

Our location is super close to the train station and also to the famous spots such as Bamboo forest, kimono forest, Togetsukyo bridge, Tenryuji temple. The whole tourism area is compact which won't take so long to walk, every spot is very photogenic and goes well with a kimono look. In this area (Arashiyama), there are not only traditional buildings, but also the amazing nature as well. There are not so many tall buildings so when the weather is good, you see unbelievable wide blue sky together with light green river. We recommend just sitting by the river and do nothing for a while, it can be quite healing experience. We are a professional kimono shop in Kyoto. In our shop there are many different type of kimonos, including tradition styles, modern styles. We have kimonos both for female and male. We are sure you can find a kimono you like. You can wear the kimono until 6pm of the day.

Free cancellation

Hike and explore the Kurama and Kibune ancient Paths (opens in a new tab)

10 5 h 30 min

Escape the bustling streets of Kyoto and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune-jinja Shrine. Tucked away in the forested mountains north of Kyoto, the scenic trail connecting the villages of Kurama (鞍馬) and Kibune (木船) offers a breathtaking blend of history, nature, and spirituality. On this guided hike, you'll journey through sacred temple grounds, uncover sacred shrines and natural sites that are believed to hold spiritual energy, and navigate a rugged yet rewarding mountain trail that has drawn monks, warriors, and mystics for centuries.

Ikebana Experience in Kyoto Townhouse (opens in a new tab)

15 1 h 30 min

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. This traditional and formal art may seem esoteric, but this is not the case. Anyone is capable of creating a fantastic work of art by themselves after acquiring the basic concepts and fundamental skills of this art. Learning ikebana promotes a better understanding of the Japanese view of nature; a crucial step in appreciating the unique aesthetics, emotions and thoughts that merge to create this visual art form. Flower arranging used to be a required "mannerism" for well-educated men, such as samurais or monks. It would be a waste not to experience our genuinely unique culture! 1. Introduction: Introduction of essential knowledge about ikebana, its history and background. 2. Instruction: By watching the instruction, you will learn the basic concepts, allowing you to grasp an image for your own work. 3. Hands-on: Try to create an ikebana art work yourself! We'll give you a hand when you need it.

Kyoto E-Bike Rent (Powerful & Long model) (opens in a new tab)

1 2 days

MIYATA Ridge Runner (Range:80km~, Shimano unit)

Free cancellation

Shoyu Ramen & Wagyu Sushi & Matcha (opens in a new tab)

9 2 h 30 min

"Learn how to make authentic, vegan-friendly Japanese dashi (broth) with us." Our private, one-group-only format makes the class a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Your group only — no strangers, no shared sessions. This is our home in Arashiyama, Kyoto. When you are here, it is yours for the day. We cook together, eat together, and talk — about food, about Japan, about whatever comes up. Your hosts are Satoru, a professional chef with over 30 years of experience, and Akiko, a fluent English speaker. Guests have come to us from more than 20 countries. Some are experienced cooks. Some have never held a Japanese knife. Some are vegan and have spent their entire trip anxious about what is in their food. We have learned to read the room. And we genuinely enjoy it.

Free cancellation

Sushi or Traditional Japanese Cuisine in a Kyoto Home with Emika (opens in a new tab)

21 1 h 30 min

Meet Emika at her home for a regional culinary experience that will start with a freshly made cup of traditional matcha green tea prepared by Emika or her father. You will then sit down together around a dining table to share a traditional Obanzai meal over fun conversation. Your Japanese meal may include dishes such as oshi (pressed) sushi or nigiri sushi (hand-formed), miso soup, rice, traditional Obanzai side dishes, and a sweet that goes well with matcha. Emika's family owns an organic vegetable field where she harvests most of the vegetables that she uses in her cooking. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of daikon radishes grown on their farm! Join Emika and enjoy an authentic Japanese meal with a lovely local!

Free cancellation

Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide (opens in a new tab)

6 3 h 30 min

Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through the stunning Byodoin Temple from the 10 yen coin, and Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest. It’s the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, led by a local English-speaking guide who brings each place to life. Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.

Private Kyoto Walking Tour Temples, Traditions and Hidden Gems (opens in a new tab)

1 3 h – 7 h

At Phoenix Tours & Photography, we create a personalized Kyoto experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. Here’s what sets our tour apart: Fully Customizable – Whether you’re interested in history, hidden alleyways, or street food, we tailor the tour to your interests and pace. Expert Local Guides – Our guides bring Kyoto’s history and culture to life with fascinating insights and stories. Hidden Gems – We take you beyond the tourist hotspots to discover Kyoto’s quieter, more authentic side. Balanced Exploration – The tour combines history, nature, culture, and food for a well-rounded experience. Immersive & Relaxed – With a walking tour, you can take in the details, from temple bells to charming tea houses. Personalized Recommendations – Get insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore after the tour. Rather than just visiting Kyoto, experience it in a way that’s meaningful and unforgettable.

Free cancellation

Kyoto Heritage Run - Venture through historical Kyoto landmarks (opens in a new tab)

5 3 h

Our guests will be able to kill two birds with one stone by doing exercise while sightseeing. This allows travelers to see more sites than they would on a normal tour and in less time. Travelers will be greeted by our guides, a fitness professional, and an experienced tour guide at Nijojo-mae Station, where they will be led through a warm-up and a brief history of Kyoto City. They will jog east to the Imperial Palace, where they will see lesser-known hidden gems and take part in Tabata-style exercises. We will leave the Imperial Palace grounds and cross the picturesque Kamogawa before heading to Heian Shrine, where we will make a brief stop. On the next leg of the tour, we will pass through the immense torii gate and jog along the banks of the Shirakawa River, lined with mysterious weeping willows and small stone bridges. This leads us to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine as we wind down to end our tour at the eastern bank of the Kamogawa with some stretches.

Kyoto: Paint Your Own Ramen Apron & Michelin Ramen Class (opens in a new tab)

2 1 h 30 min

Combine creativity and cooking in Kyoto: design your own ramen apron, then prepare and enjoy ramen in a professional kitchen with guidance from a chef. Your personalized apron is ready to take home the same day, a practical reminder of your Kyoto experience. Cook with ingredients prepared by Musoshin, the ramen restaurant group behind this workshop. Vegetarian and vegan guests are welcome. Musoshin was founded in Kyoto in 2012. Our Toronto restaurant has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide for five consecutive years. Our Gion restaurant was selected for Dazhong Dianping’s 2026 Must-Eat List (必吃榜) and was one of just three restaurants from Japan invited to the awards ceremony.

Kyoto Walking Tour at Fushimi Inari Shrine and Tofukuji Temple (opens in a new tab)

1 2 h 30 min

Do you want to explorer the most popular place in Kyoto, Japan? The knowledgeable guide will take you to cultural walk and explaining about Japanese culture and Fushimi Inari, Shinto Shrine. Fushimi Inari is the most popular destination in Kyoto. The bright vermilion torii gate looks great in photos. And you will understand the meaning of gates and also differences of Buddhism and Shintoism. After we saw there, we walk through residential area about 20 minutes to Tofukuji Temple. Tofukuji is the one of Zen temple in Kyoto and we will see the Zen Rock garden. Tour duration including the walking time from Fushimi Inari Shrine to Tofukuji Temple about 20 minutes and also Tofukuji Temple to Tofukuji station about 10 minutes.

Kyoto: Zen and Art at Tranquil Kennin-ji Temple (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h 30 min

This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Kyoto’s most prestigious Zen temples—Kennin-ji—through the lens of both spiritual heritage and visual art. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, you’ll be guided by an expert who provides deep cultural context, revealing the hidden meanings behind the temple’s architecture, gardens, and centuries-old artworks. Beginning with a stroll through the atmospheric Hanamikoji Street in Gion, the tour seamlessly transitions from the vibrant charm of old Kyoto to the quiet introspection of Zen. With a compact 1.5-hour itinerary, it’s perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, meaningful experience without taking up their whole day.

Free cancellation

Himeji Castle Guided Tour and Premium Kobe Beef Lunch from Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

6 8 h – 9 h

*The photos of Himeji Castle are of Courtesy of Himeji City Experience the king of gourmet, Kobe beef, and the majesty of World Heritage Himeji Castle on this exclusive day tour from Kyoto. Travel in style aboard our deluxe bus, offering the comfort of airplane business class. Relax as our professional attendant serves a complimentary selection of premium sake and soft drinks. For lunch, savor an exquisite Kobe beef meal at a restaurant that raises its own cattle. Afterward, visit the majestic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guided by a local expert. After a memorable day, we will accompany you by bus to Himeji Station and provide you with a train ticket to return to Kyoto or Osaka on your own (ticket included in the price). - Transportation by deluxe bus from Kyoto to Himeji - Return ticket to Kyoto or Osaka by shinkansen (bullet train) - Farm-to-table Kobe beef lunch - Himeji Castle with expert local guide

Free cancellation

Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience (opens in a new tab)

9 2 h

This Zen workshop offers a truly unique opportunity to experience mindfulness in a calm, natural setting, not inside a temple, but by the riverside, surrounded by trees and fresh air. It’s designed not just as a tourist activity, but as a genuine introduction to Zen practice. Participants are guided step by step through the basics of zazen (seated meditation) in a way that is easy to understand and approachable, even for beginners. Rather than focusing on strict formality or religious rituals, the workshop emphasizes how Zen can be part of everyday life. You’ll learn how to carry the mindset of calm and awareness with you. Not just during your trip, but back home as well. The experience concludes with a peaceful tea time, where you’ll enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets and freshly whisked matcha, allowing your mind and body to gently return to the flow of daily life.

KYOTO and NARA TOUR with FREE ENTRANCE FEE(DRIVER ONLY) (opens in a new tab)

1 10 h

This is a full day Kyoto-Nara Private Tour. Tour starts in Nara Park then heads towards Todaiji Temple to see the Great Buddha. Then you will proceed to the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple or the great pavilion. The next stop is the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama Bamboo forest then head to our last stop which is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. - Explore Nara Park and get to see and experience feeding of the Deers. -Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site the Todaiji Temple and get to see the 15 meters tall Great Bronze Buddha and the largest wooden structure in the world. -Pass by the beauty and calmness of Kagami Ike Pond. -Walk through the cylindrical pillars in a variety colors and patterns in Kimono forest while making your way through the magestical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. -Walk through the history of over 10,000 torii gates and see innumerable fox statues in Fushimi Inami shrine. Come and Pray for fruitful harvests, business success and other blessings.

Free cancellation

Nara Guided Tour by Private Car from Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

2 7 h – 8 h

Step into the heart of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage Explore the timeless beauty of Nara, Japan’s first capital and home to some of the country’s most iconic cultural treasures. From roaming deer in Nara Park to the towering Great Buddha of Todaiji, and the charming streets of Naramachi, this private tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and local charm. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle and discover the stories behind the temples and townscapes with a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide. -Meet the friendly deer of Nara Park and stroll through peaceful green spaces -Visit World Heritage Sites including Kofukuji Temple and Todaiji Temple -Explore Naramachi, a historic district filled with preserved merchant houses -Relax with private transportation—no transfers or crowds to worry about -Learn about Nara’s ancient role in Japan’s history from your expert guide

Free cancellation

Kyoto Top 7 Sights in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide (opens in a new tab)

2 6 h

This private 6 hour tour of Kyoto with a guide and vehicle is the best way to see the top 7 sights of this ancient city! This tour takes you to 7 of Kyoto’s most famous highlights in comfort and ease. Enjoy a well-balanced itinerary combining history, culture, and scenic views. Perfect for travelers who want to explore efficiently without the hassle of public transportation. Note*1: This tour is a fixed itinerary tour, cannot be customized. Note*2: Please speak with your guide to decide your Lunch location. If you would like to skip the lunch break, please let your guide know in advance. Lunch fee is not included for the guests. Note*3: Sight order may change based on the guide’s advice. Note*4: If the tour starts late, some sites may be skipped. Extra time will incur an extension fee.

Free cancellation